What type of flight rules govern visual flight?

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) govern visual flight, which is primarily designed for pilots who are flying by visual reference to the ground and other landmarks, rather than relying solely on instruments. Under VFR, pilots are generally responsible for maintaining their own separation from other aircraft and for ensuring they have the necessary visibility and cloud clearance requirements to conduct their flight safely.

VFR is predicated on a set of criteria that allows pilots to operate under clear weather conditions where they can navigate and control their aircraft without relying on instrument readings. This method of flying is essential for aircraft operating in uncontrolled airspace and enables pilots to visually gauge their flight path and avoid obstacles.

The other flight rule categories mentioned serve different purposes. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) apply when pilots are flying with instruments and in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), where visual references may be unavailable. Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) provide specific provisions for flying in controlled airspace when visibility is below standard VFR minima, while Controlled Visual Flight Rules (CVFR) govern operations within controlled airspace but under visual conditions prescribed by air traffic control. These frameworks are crucial for maintaining safety in various flight environments, but they do not pertain to the standard visual flight operations that VFR covers